Rachel S.

Opera Voice

Levels Taught:

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

As a professional opera singer and recitalist, Rachel uses her first-hand experience in the business to guide her students and to teach them healthy vocal technique. Her students find her to be energetic, warm, and one of her biggest goals is to make her students feel more empowered when they leave than when they arrived. Music is a transformative art form and she hopes to enrich her student’s lives.

Learning proper singing technique is essential for the health of singers of all ages and genres. And YES! Everyone can sing! Rachel personalizes each lesson to her students' needs and provides a safe and fun atmosphere that is essential to creative learning. Musicianship, better intonation, breath control, support, tone quality, freedom of sound, and a love of music are all topics covered in voice lessons.

Rachel teaches

Rachel delivers an exceptional lesson experience and ranks in the top
15% of our teachers nationwide.

Teaches students:

Ages 8+ and special needs

Teaching since:

October 2012

Rachel S. is a Lyric Soprano that hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In July, she portrayed the role of Mother in Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel with the Miami Opera Institute. This fall, she recently worked as a Resident Artist with Utah Opera.

Last spring, she completed her Master’s of Music at Rice University, under the instruction of acclaimed voice teacher, Dr. Stephen King. There, she performed the role of Lady Billows in their 2014 production of Britten’s Albert Herring. Rachel made her operatic debut with Rice University in their fall of 2012 production of Volpone as Celia. With Rice University, she was also featured in their scenes programs as Mimi from La Bohème, Ilia from Idomeneo, Rosalba from Florencia en el Amazonas, and Mrs. Fiorentino from Street Scene.

Rachel has performed extensively with the Aspen Opera Theater Center. Last summer, she understudied Sybil Vane in Loehmann’s The Picture of Dorian Grey. In 2013, she performed the role of Suor Osmina in their production of Suor Angelica, and covered the roles of Fortuna and Venere in their production of L’coronazione di Poppea. She also portrayed Pamina, La Contessa, Ilia, Anne Truelove and Laurie Moss in their various scenes programs.

Rachel completed her Bachelor’s of Music at Mannes College in 2012. There, she performed in their Opera Scenes Workshop and their Rise of Modernism Festival, singing Canciones populares Españolas by Manuel de Falla.

Richard and Deborah Felder Voice Scholarship

Atkinson Memorial Tuition Award

She is an amazing instructor and I have already seen my improvement after the first lesson.

Daniel F.
Jan 2, 2017

Singing·In studio

Rachel was great! She made me feel very comfortable and taught me so much about singing in the short time that we had. She is extremely knowledgeable about the human voice in general and teaches about proper technique that will not only boost your confidence but will keep you singing down the road. Definitely would recommend for all skill levels!

Rachel is most excellent, and quite learned in the surprisingly confusing art of singing. There are large framed pieces of paper confirming her advanced knowledge next to the piano, one of which is in all caps so it's super official. She's patient but knows the benefits of pushing what you think your singing limits are, and shows you see the whole process from a different, more helpful perspective.

Rachel is an amazing teacher. I highly recommend her. She is very professional and she has boosted my confidence level with singing. Rachel has made me thankful for choosing Take Lessons.

Carolyn P.
Sep 9, 2016

Singing·In studio

Rachel has been a wonderful mentor for my 13 year old daughter. She is preparing her for her high school music experience in theater and chorus. We are so grateful to have found her. I would highly recommend her for lessons.

Mary Angelozzi
Sep 9, 2016

Singing·In studio

Rachel was incredibly kind, comfortable, and is not afraid to help you with your strengths and point out what needs to be worked on as well. After the first lesson, I've already had an excellent experience to get the ball rolling on how to really improve my singing and technique.

We love Rachael!!! Rachael is so good with the girls and they are enjoying their lessons tremendously!!

Megan T.
Mar 28, 2015

Classical Voice·In studio

Rachel is amazing! She is very affirming, yet pushes you to challenge yourself. She believes in your ability and teaches techniques that are suited to your unique vocal talent and ability. She also provides helpful explanations and works with you to find ways of understanding your body that make sense to you. Very intelligent and caring as well. If I still lived in the same city as her, I would be taking lessons with her now!

Rachel is not only amazingly talented, she also knows exactly how to free the voice into a beautiful, fluid way. She has so much information to share and you will leave feeling fulfilled and strong. Thank you so much for all your help, Ms. S.! You make singing easy, passionate, and delightful!